Araiyaninalloor is a south facing temple with a 7 tier Rajagopuram about 160 ft tall. There is an ancient Nadana Mandapam here in the outer Prakaram amongst other Mandapams. Outside the temple in between rocks is a pond called Bheeman Kulam. There are five rock cut spaces below the Rajagopuram though empty now. Thevaram hymns have been rendered by Thirugnanasambandar (7th Century CE). Ramana Maharishi attained his enlightenment here and then went to Thiruvannamalai.

History

Araiyaninalloor temple has various stone inscriptions which provide information from the Sangam age to the Vijayanagara period. The temple has the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara styles of architecture and is more than 1200 years old.

Legend

Sage Neelakandar, Sage Prasanda, Pandavas and Kabilar are believed to have prayed here at Araiyaninalloor. Thirugnanasambandar’s feet are believed to have been embedded here and the same has been mounted on a pedestal. Pandavas during their exile are believed to have visited this temple and the 5 rock cut spaces below the Rajagopuram are said to have been their spaces. The Bheeman Kulam is believed to have been created by Bheema with his mace.

Directions

Araiyaninalloor is on the eastern banks of Pennai river across Thirukoviloor and easily visible on a small hillock from all around. While going from Villupuram take a left before crossing the river bridge. Two more important temples are there in Thirukoviloor.